The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the best of both worlds – it’s small enough that you can make it to your gate at a leisurely pace yet big enough to offer a slew of iconic Austin staples for any passersby to enjoy. You can buy a record at Waterloo’s or grab something to read at BookPeople, which are two local favorites. But it’s the Austin airport restaurants that make me show up a solid hour earlier to have enough time for a delish meal.
These five eateries are absolutely worth visiting during your time in the actual city of Austin, but it’s nice to know you have a convenient alternative if you’re just passing through the fine-food-laden Texas town.
24 Diner
24 Diner offers the timeless experience of a classic American diner with a New American twist. The locale’s menu offers comforting dishes like chicken and waffles with a side of cinnamon butter and brisket-filled no-bean chili, which is distinctly Texan in its own right.
Head Chef Andrew Curren, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, is passionate about creating dishes sourced from high-quality ingredients, making it the highest `quality diner food to be found in both Austin’s airport and city.
Salt Lick BBQ (and winery)
You may not know about Austin’s vibrant wine scene, and the many dozens of wineries located an hour or so west of the city’s downtown, but they are top quality, and nestled in the rolling hills of the greenbelt. Whenever I head out for a handful of tastings, I make sure to swing by Salt Lick – half winery, half BBQ joint, fully satisfying (and hangover-reducing) after a long day in wine country.
If you’re unable to make the trek out to sample delicious brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken, no worries; it’s available right in the terminal. Salt Lick’s brisket tacos are the perfect way to fill up (and stay full) before a flight, and it’s worth it to grab a glass or bottle of BBQ Red, one of my favorite local selections that reflects the spicy yet jammy qualities of Texas wine.
Parkside
The unassuming yet exquisite Parkside has made the best charred Caesar salad I’ve ever had in my life – and you know if I’m raving about the salad precursor, that the rest of the menu is a hit as well. In their airport location, they don’t skimp on any of the delicacies. You can enjoy a raw bar, the near-addictive Parkside burger, and plenty of breakfast and lunch items at this convenient airport staple.
The location has generous hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m each day, while the flagship location opens at 5.p.m., a much smaller dining window. So unless you’re catching a red-eye, there’s a strong chance you can swing in for a bite.
And if you’re looking for a libation, I think that Parkside makes some of the best drinks in town, expertly muddling herbs and spices with full-bodied spirits like Mezcal and Whiskey. They’re stiff but well balanced, and I’m always surprised by how fast they go down. So go ahead and indulge in a pre-flight cocktail if that’s your thing – it’s super helpful if you have the jitters and need to relax.
Peached Tortilla
If you’re flying in or out of Southwest Airlines, you’ll be greeted by Peached Tortilla, a beloved brunch joint situated on the south side of Austin. Now, Texans take brunch very seriously – it’s one of the best things to do in town, so it’s a good idea to have an impromptu experience at this airport satellite.
You can expect breakfast goodies such as Korean steak, egg & cheese tacos and Asian-inspired avocado toast, but the menu spans much further than handheld edibles. The eatery offers five different bowls with fresh produce and savory proteins slathered on top of a bed of rice or arugula, with a side of togarashi ranch to add another dimension to each bite.
Looking for some light airport reading? Dive into a copy of ” The Peached Tortilla: Modern Asian Comfort Food from Tokyo Texas,” written by Japanese-born founder Eric Silverstein. It will reveal what a melting pot of flavors Austin truly is.
Salvation Pizza
As a native Chicagoan, I’m tough on pizza, but Salvation Pizza has always had a soft spot in my heart with its delicious New Haven-style slices. Located across from gate 11, it’s the perfect place to grab a to-go slice for flyers in a hurry. But if you have a bit more time, pull up a chair and enjoy a beer or wine with your meal.
The dough is hand-pounded and prepared from scratch, topped with high-quality ingredients, so you won’t be left with a soggy leftover-like slice. Not in the mood for pizza? You can try their homemade stromboli or grab a salad for something lighter. Without an overwhelming menu, Salvation delivers a small but mighty selection of Italian delicacies.
